NanoCarbaOne - Nano-Structured Sensors for Rapid Point-of-Care Detection of Carbapenemase-producing Bacteria to Improve Therapy Selection, AMR control and One Health Implementation
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most urgent threats to public health today. Some bacteria have become so resistant that even our most powerful antibiotics - known as carbapenems - are no longer effective. These “superbugs” are spreading rapidly, especially in hospitals, and are incredibly difficult to treat. A particularly dangerous group of these bacteria, called carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales, produces enzymes known as carbapenemases. These enzymes break down carbapenems before they can work. Even more concerning, the genes responsible for these enzymes can easily spread between bacteria, accelerating the problem. To effectively combat this threat, healthcare providers need fast, reliable tools to detect these resistant bacteria - ideally right at the point of care. Unfortunately, current testing methods are often too slow or not accurate enough to guide timely treatment decisions.
NanoCarbaOne aims to change that. Our vision is to develop a next-generation diagnostic device that can detect carbapenemase-producing bacteria directly from patient samples - such as blood, urine, or swabs - in under 15 minutes, without the need for time-consuming lab cultures. The system will combine microfluidics to capture and concentrate bacteria and advanced electrochemical sensors for detecting enzyme activity. The design is focused on ultra-sensitivity and high accuracy, minimizing the risk of missed infections or false results. From the start, we’re also prioritizing sustainable materials and processes to reduce environmental impact and support future regulatory approval.
If successful, NanoCarbaOne could become a powerful tool in the fight against antibiotic resistance - helping doctors make faster treatment decisions, preventing hospital outbreaks, and slowing the global spread of superbugs.